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Highly Pathogenic H7N9 Bird Flu Outbreak Contained in Mississippi

The first U.S. detection of H7N9 in eight years led to the loss of over 46,000 chickens, with officials emphasizing surveillance and biosecurity to prevent future outbreaks.

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Overview

  • The H7N9 strain was confirmed on March 12 at a poultry farm in Noxubee County, Mississippi, resulting in the death or euthanasia of approximately 46,000 chickens.
  • The outbreak was contained through quarantine and depopulation measures, with none of the infected birds entering the food supply.
  • The virus likely originated as a low-pathogenic strain in wild birds and mutated into a highly pathogenic form after entering the commercial poultry operation.
  • USDA and state officials are conducting epidemiological investigations and enhancing surveillance to monitor and prevent further spread.
  • Researchers report that prior exposure to human seasonal flu may provide some immunity against H5N1, offering insights into potential protective measures for avian flu strains.